Argument from Authority
By: Maeghann Alexander
Argument to Authority
• where it is argued that a statement is
correct because the statement is made by
a person or source that is commonly
regarded as authoritative
Universal
• Ex. It is absurb to believe that professional
baseball players have used steroids
because the most famous slugger of our
time has repeatedly asserted that such a
claim is false.
They are making a claim based on what a “higher authority” claims. This isn’t always the
truth though.
Examples from the Crucible
1. pg. 210 Act 3
Danforth: “ And do you know that near
to 400 are in jails from Marblehead to
lynn, upon my signiture?”
Danforth is claiming his authority by receiting all of the people he has put in jail. This is
suppose to prove of how is right in the decisions of witches in Salem.
2. pg. 218 Act 3
“ I have been hurt, Mr. Dansforth; I have seen my blood runnin’ out! I
have been near to murdered everyday because I done my duty
pointing out the Devil’s people- and this is my reward? To be
mistreated, denied, questioned like a-”
Abby is restating her authority by saying she is a victim only helping this town by
doing her duty.